Edinburgh’s Got Talent 2012: Rebecca’s back to bring musical dreams to life

David O’Leary

TALENTED singer Rebecca Traynor hopes that it will be a case of second time’s a charm when she takes to the stage in the upcoming final of Edinburgh’s Got Talent.

The 15-year-old, from Musselburgh, finished joint second in last year’s competition and she believes the experience has given her the confidence to go all the way this time around.

She said: “Last year helped me a lot, I’ve learned how to better control my nerves and talk on stage. I’m nervous but really looking forward to it.”

Last year, soprano Rebecca delivered Phantom of the Opera classic Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again and this year she is sticking with the classical theme by performing Katherine Jenkins’ hit Bring Me To Life.

Describing her style as opera-rock, Rebecca said: “I haven’t performed this song live yet, but I decided to try something new for the competition. It’s a difficult number to perform, but I think it’s best to take a risk.”

The Musselburgh Grammar pupil has received vocal training from city music teacher Bruce Thomson out of school hours.

Next year, she hopes to be accepted to study at the Royal Academy of Music before further developing her singing career.

She said: “Bruce has been a great help. I’d like to possibly have a pop career with a classical twist like Katherine Jenkins. Sarah Brightman is another hero of mine.”

Rebecca, right, will take to the stage at the Evening News event at the Festival Theatre later this month.

Head judge and Evening News entertainment editor Liam Rudden has been left amazed at the level of talent that has once more unearthed in the city.

He said: “Once again, Edinburgh’s Got Talent has unearthed a treasure trove of hidden talent that promises to make this year’s final one of the most closely fought yet. It never ceases to amaze me how many readers just love to perform and Edinburgh’s Got Talent is the perfect platform to showcase these stars of the future.”

Now in its fourth year, the first EGT was won by the Haughey McAuley Irish Dancers.

A year later, Granton lad Gavin Blackie took the plaudits before Caitlyn Vanbeck, 13, triumphed last year, bringing the audience to their feet with her rendition of Adele’s Don’t You Rem-ember.